You've heard of those statistics that prove that removing prayer in schools set in motion the rapid descent of American morality, not to mention educational performance, right? That Engel v. Vitale smashed our moral compass and sent us spiraling into a whirlpool of corruption, decadence, and salty snacks?
(I'm sure you aren't surprised to know that David Barton is behind those numbers.)
But you're probably unaware of a statistic so unbelievable, so shocking that it had to be kept in the unread middle section of Newsweek on a page no one would ever read due to the overwhelming photograph of a balding, mustachioed, bespectacled man with excessive arm hair.
And I quote.
"In 1890 only about 34 percent of Americans were members of a formal church. By 1989 the share of those who belonged was 60 percent."
Well, David? Care to explain why organized religion is ruining our great nation?
The rise in church attendence has also correlated with a significant decrease in requirements for membership. In 1890, from what I understand those requirements were rigorous, especially in Puritan New England. In 1990, those requirements were virtually non-existent. In fact, I often wonder whether we would dip far below the 34 percent level if similar standards for church membership were put in place (I am not advocating this--just wondering).
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